Survey Shows Minnesota Seniors Look to the Positive Aspects of Life, Both Near and Away from Home

Responses present the vast majority of Minnesota seniors plan on hitting the highway a minimum of as soon as over the subsequent 12 months

EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — In keeping with a brand new survey from Blue Cross and Blue Protect of Minnesota (Blue Cross), the vast majority of Minnesota seniors plan on taking a minimum of one journey within the subsequent 12 months and place significance on accessing well being care whereas away from residence.  

The Blue Cross survey outcomes, which replicate greater than 500 responses from throughout the Twin Cities metro space and all through Larger Minnesota, discovered that seniors are prioritizing journey amongst different well being and wellness targets.

• Greater than half of Minnesota seniors plan on touring within the subsequent 12 months, with 81% planning a number of journeys.
• Minnesota seniors say they like to remain energetic when touring, with over half (63%) exercising whereas on the highway.
• The first purpose for journey is trip and to go to household and/or pals, with nearly three-quarters (72%) of Minnesota seniors selecting to drive their very own automotive to get there and 54% selecting to fly on an airplane. A majority (64%) of Minnesota seniors consider that protection for surprising medical care or prescription medicines is extraordinarily essential whereas touring.
• Nevertheless, just one in 5 seniors reported needing unscheduled or surprising medical care whereas away from residence.

Total, Minnesota seniors are experiencing fewer unfavorable feelings relating to COVID-19 than they’ve reported within the earlier two years. Nevertheless, whereas they really feel optimistic about their well being, they intend to proceed taking precautions to guard it. The survey confirmed delicate shifts in seniors’ well being targets, with an emphasis on wholesome consuming versus losing a few pounds. Fewer seniors stated that spending time with family and friends was a high aim in 2022. There was additionally a marked enhance in respondents prioritizing leisure actions to take care of stress.

“The COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on Minnesota seniors’ psychological well being and emotional well-being,” stated Dr. Mark Steffen, senior vp of medical administration and chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Protect of Minnesota. “Returning to much-awaited actions, like journey with the right precautions, could be helpful in enhancing seniors’ general well-being.”

John Hines, a long-time Twin Cities radio character who’s newly enrolled in Medicare, not too long ago traveled to Alaska, one of many high journey locations for seniors. Hines has partnered with Blue Cross to boost consciousness of well being points dealing with seniors. He agrees that there are perks to rising older.

“How I’ve spent my time, together with my actions and habits, have modified this final yr, in principally optimistic methods,” Hines stated. “I’ve felt extra snug touring and exercising in a gymnasium, which has helped my bodily and emotional well being immensely.”

The Blue Cross survey additionally discovered Minnesota seniors are nonetheless targeted on selling their well being. Amongst Minnesota seniors, 67% are extremely motivated to make their well being a precedence. Moreover, 70% of seniors strongly agree that high quality medical health insurance provides them peace of thoughts, permitting them to give attention to different areas of life.

For extra info on senior attitudes about their well being in 2022, go to Bluecrossmn.com/seniors.

Survey methodology: Blue Cross surveyed 515 Minnesota residents 65+ years of age. The survey was fielded July 12 to July 21, 2022.  

About Blue Cross and Blue Protect of Minnesota
For almost 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Protect of Minnesota (bluecrossmn.com) has supported the well being, wellbeing and peace of thoughts of our members by striving to make sure equitable entry to prime quality care at an reasonably priced value. Our 2.7 million members could be present in each Minnesota county, all 50 states and on 4 continents. Blue Cross and Blue Protect of Minnesota is an impartial licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Protect Affiliation.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Protect of Minnesota